Alaska, famously known as The Last Frontier is one of America’s most popular tourist destinations. Indeed, there is a lot to see and do in this stunning state. From its vast mountains to its unique wildlife, it is the perfect destination for adventurers. But what most people do not know, is that Alaska is also a fantastic place to settle down. If you are considering a move to Alaska, there are some things you should know beforehand. Moving to this icy state will require a fair amount of planning and research. Verified Movers experts bring you practical advice on how to plan a successful move to one of the coldest states in the nation.
Consider the climate when you are planning to move to Alaska
Alaska is most known for its harsh weather. Although most residents agree the natural wonders outweigh the cold climate, getting through the winter can be challenging. Depending on the area, you could see up to 178 inches of snow annually. Temperatures can drop all the way down to -30. However, a milder climate can be found in the Southeast of Alaska. Areas near the coast stay slightly warmer. The warm ocean air has a slight impact on the weather. It is still Alaska, so you will rarely see temperatures rise above 70. If you do not enjoy cold weather, moving to Alaska might not be for you.
The harsh weather can affect your move in other ways too. The snow and icy roads can make driving difficult. Hence, you should avoid relocating during the coldest months. Summer is the perfect season for moving to Alaska, as the weather is warmer and there is plenty of sunlight. If you want to keep your belongings safe, hire some of the best long distance moving companies Ketchikan residents recommend. Read up on reviews and discover movers that fit your requirements.
A move to Alaska will require some creative thinking
If you do decide to move here, transporting your belongings could prove difficult. It is very likely you will have to think outside the box. Shipping your furniture might not even be possible by road. Plenty of towns are not accessible by highways. For that reason, your items will have to travel by air or waterways. This is a slightly more complicated process than your usual methods of transportation. There are plenty of long distance moving companies Anchorage that can help you safely transport your things, by air, road, or water. The method will depend on your location and budget.
Calculate if your budget can handle moving to The Last Frontier
Before start planning your move, you need to make sure your budget can handle it. Certain aspects of living in Alaska can get very expensive. Especially if you live in rural areas. Since most goods need to be shipped here, the prices are much higher. The cost of transportation has to be taken into account, and it drives up the price. You will end up paying a lot more for common household items, food, and gas.
You also need to keep moving expenses in mind. Moving your entire home to Alaska can easily become very costly. You should get a few different estimates before making a final decision. Cross country moving companies Anchorage can help you get some of the best moving rates in the state. Choosing a good moving company for your relocation is half the battle. Once you know exactly how much moving will cost, you can start calculating the rest of the budget.
Permanently settling down in Alaska has its benefits
If money is tight, but you still dream of living in Alaska do not fret. Upfront moving costs deter many. However, certain options exist that could help you offset living costs. One of those options is the Permanent Fund Dividend Program. Full-time Alaska residents can receive up to $1,100 per year. The government will pay you just for living in this breathtaking state. And the fund operates on a per-person basis, so each member of your household gets their own share. High salaries, no income tax, and no sales tax make life cheap in Alaska in the long run.
Before moving to Alaska, declutter your home
Since shipping items to Alaska can get complicated, you need to carefully consider what you want to bring. When you start packing, you will surely run into items you no longer use. We all hang onto some useless knick-knacks that just take up space. These are easy to leave behind. However, it’s likely you will have to part things you actually like too. Big furniture, appliances, pianos, and similar items are simply too difficult to transport all the way to Alaska. Furthermore, shipping gets expensive really quickly. Buying new items once you arrive could end up being cheaper. For these reasons, we recommend you thoroughly declutter your home before moving.
Below we have listed techniques that will help you in the process:
- Declutter one room at a time
- Start with items that aren’t sentimental
- Make a list of necessities
- Divide items into categories – keep, trash, donate
- Give yourself breaks
- Don’t procrastinate and set a deadline
Are you ready for the move of your life?
A move to Alaska is a tremendous undertaking. Relocating to Alaska is an experience like no other. With extensive planning and preparation, a successful move is possible. You just have to keep your budget and shipping options in mind. With the right moving company, everything should go smoothly. It won’t be easy by any means, but it will definitely be worth it. From the unique way of life, abundant wildlife, and gorgeous scenery, Alaska has tonnes to offer to its residents. Once you settle in, you will be able to fully explore all of Alaska’s secrets. Good luck, and happy adventuring!